Deadliest Year for Workers in U.S.: 2016

The year 2016 has been named the deadliest year in the U.S. for workers. It's been almost a decade since work related deaths have been this high.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor, there were a total of 5,190 fatal work injuries recorded in the U.S. in 2016, a 7% increase from the 4,836 fatal injuries reported in 2015. This is the third consecutive increase in annual workplace fatalities and the first time more than 5,000 fatalities have been recorded by the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) since 2008. The fatal injury rate for full-time workers rose to 3.6 per 100,000 from 3.4 in 2015, the highest rate since 2010.

Transportation incidences remained the most common fatal work related events in 2016, contributing to 40 percent of all work related deaths, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Other categories with significant increases in fatal work injuries include homicides, suicides, drug and alcohol overdoses, and deaths from slip and falls.

The rate of fatalities due to work related injuries is staggering. The lack of company safety policy and procedures may be a huge factor in the increased number of worker deaths. These are just among the numbers that have been reported. Underreporting and neglect is among the widespread contributing factor to such a high death toll. As we move into 2018 I hope to see this number dramatically decrease. This will only happen if companies are being held responsible for the standard of their safety procedures, as well workers and the community bringing to light unsafe working conditions.

If you or someone you know has been injured while at work, contact an attorney at Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Sorrels, Agosto & Aziz by calling 713-222-7211 or toll free at 1-800-870-9584.

Awards & Recognition

The Equal Access to Justice Champions Program was started by the Houston Bar Association in 2006, to help ensure placement of Houston Volunteer Lawyers cases with pro bono volunteers. Originally, firms were tiered according to size, and firms within each tier committed to accept a certain number of pro bono cases from HVL each year for five years.

The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 is an invitation-only organization composed of the premier trial lawyers from each state or region who meet stringent qualifications as civil plaintiff and/or criminal defense trial lawyers. Selection is based on a thorough multi-phase objective and uniformly applied process which includes peer nominations combined with third-party research.

Established in 1993, the Million Dollar Advocates Forum (which includes the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum) is one of the most prestigious groups of trial lawyers in the United States. Membership is limited to attorneys who have won million and multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements. There are over 4000 members throughout the country. Fewer than 1% of U.S. lawyers are members.

Recognition by Best Lawyers is based entirely on peer review. Their methodology is designed to capture, as accurately as possible, the consensus opinion of leading lawyers about the professional abilities of their colleagues within the same geographical area and legal practice area.

In order to earn the Lead Counsel Rating, an attorney must not only demonstrate significant legal experience, but must also receive multiple peer recommendations advocating his or her ability. This is a key component in the screening process.

Each year, Super Lawyers recognizes the top lawyers in Texas via a patented multiphase selection process involving peer nomination, independent research and peer evaluation. The Texas lawyers who receive the highest point totals during this selection process are further recognized in Texas Super Lawyers Top Lists.

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The firm successfully represented nearly 100 victims who suffered personal injuries and damages to property from a large fire and explosion resulting in a settlement of more than $50 million. The firm served as lead lawyers on the steering committee in this litigation.

$80 Million Personal Injury Large Plant Explosion

The firm successfully represented 270 plaintiffs', taking a lead role in the plaintiffs' steering committee, who suffered injuries in a large plant explosion resulting in a settlement of nearly $80 million.

$50+ Million Personal Injury Plant Fire and Explosion

The firm successfully represented 45 personal injury victims in a plant fire and explosion, serving on the plaintiffs' steering committee, concluding with a settlement of more than $50 million.

$22+ Million Personal Injury Work Site Accident

The firm prevailed in a personal injury trial for a worksite injury client with the jury returning a verdict and resulting in a judgment of over $22 million for the firm's client.

$12 Million Auto Accident 18-Wheeler Collision

The firm successfully achieved a $12 million settlement for the family of a man who died in an 18 wheeler collision.

$30 Million Personal Injury Burn Victims

The firm prevailed on behalf of three burn victims with settlements totaling nearly $30 million.

Our Record Of Success.

When you are hurt and you choose a law firm to represent you in court or at the negotiation table, you need to carefully consider the firm's record.